Why do some AVI files not import into iMovie?

Some of my AVI video does not import into iMovie. When I try, it gives me a non-specific error message. Is there a way I can import it? Other AVI files import with no problem.

AVI is a container, not a format; the audio and video in an AVI may use any codec, and some codecs can't be used in Mac OS X. Installing Perian may help.
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AVI Files not importing into CS4 from DVD

I have the DVD disk for Premiere Pro CS4 Classroom In A Book and all the avi files have only sound and when imported into Premiere Pro CS4 a missing codec error warning appears and the file will not import.
I have to say this problem only occurs with my 27" iMac and not at all with a MacBook Pro or a 20" iMac. I have tried repeatedly to copy the DVD to the 27" iMac but the problem still persists.
*+Now this is the really weird bit+:*
Using Screen Sharing from another mac, the files are normal. All other avi files are also normal on the 27" iMac.
I wondered if anyone can throw any light on this problem?
Joe
Message was edited by: Joe Cowley
null

HarrisS13 wrote:
Thanks ad2345.
I tried a different converter and also changed the playback preferences -which was down at 44.1kHz- up to 96kHz as I know the hi res files are supposed to be up at this level.
Not sure if it was one or the other of your suggestions, or both, but it has worked, so many thanks for your quick and effective help!
Regards,
Steve
Steve,
Glad it helped. Enjoy the music!
Ed

Why do some AVI formats not work properly with IMAQ?

I've been trying to do work with manipulating AVI files in Labeled, but it seems that mine will not work. Whenever I try to load them I get the error:
Error -1074396005 occurred at IMAQ AVI2 Close
Possible reason(s):
IMAQ Vision: Invalid AVI session.
What's strange is some AVI files will be read in fine. If anyone could explain why I'm seeing this error or how to convert my AVI files to the correct version I'd appreciate it. I've attached two files. The one labeled test will not work. The one labeled Balloon will.
Solved!
Go to Solution.
Attachments:
AVIs.zip ‏3466 KB

Hi,
Does my code work fine? I attache the vi as well. I modify my code that is very similar with yours, but it is working fine as well. I put here for your reference.
BTW, i can't open your code due to the PNG file without code. You can Save for Previous as 2010 Version, or Edit-->Create VI Snippet... save as png file with code.
Colin
LV7.1/8.2/8.2.1/8.5/8.6/9.0/2010/2013; testing system development
Please Mark the solution as accepted if your problem is solved and donate kudoes
Home--www.colinzhang.net
Attachments:
AVI Ex1.vi ‏43 KB

Some of my clips from my camera are not importing into iMovie`

I just got a new video camera and I started using iMovie for my first time with it. It's a Panasonic DVD video camera. The first time I loaded my DVD into my computer with it, it imported all of my clips just fine. But now it seems, random clips will not import. When I get my import screen, where I can check and uncheck movies from my DVD to import into iMovie, some clips have thumbnails and import correctly. Other clips have no thumbnail, but instead just have the little "filmstrip" graphic on them. iMovie still knows how many seconds those "mystery" clips are, and it still acts as if it is importing them when I check them. However, they don't show up in iMovie when I go to edit them. They are not blank clips, they simply just don't show up. However, on my camera, ALL of the clips play fine.
Why is iMovie not gathering thumbnails/importing certain clips but it gathers thumbnails/imports the others? I know the disc and the camera is fine because the camera will play them, sound and video. What is up with my iMovie/computer?

I'd like to add that after I import these clips without thumbnails, iMovie does give me an error and say that they could not be imported. No explanation as to why, though. Again, they play fine on my camera.

(Some AVI files not working with PlayVideo.java)Java Doctors - NEEDED

Hi ,
I m working on JMF, I m not getting video output while I run some
.AVI files 1999 version and some movie clips which are .dat files
Is there any solution for this.?
I think JMF should give proper solution for all videos and audios.
Thanks for all who are working in this wonderfull API
Thanks for SUN also for their work in Java and JMF ....
BYE,
KIRAN Kumar Jakkaraju
Java Developer,
Salvation Software Services.

Thank you very much.
But AVI and .mov will take much size than .dat files.
so its better to concentrate in .dat files also for JMF I think.
Is it true.
I have a file of avi takes - 100mb for 3 min play of video
if u convert to .mov takes - 60-70mb for the same time of video.
I think you you have .dat files , for a movie of 2hours it takes only 1gb of size and can be shipped in two 500mb cds.
Please if you have any solution to reduce the avi file sizes please let me know.
Thank you,
Kiran

Certain mp4 files are not importing into iMovie

I downloaded various files from the video page at a blog website [ http://www.911blogger.com/ ]; they're mp4 QuickTime. They won't properly import into iMovie, and quickly return a "An Unknown Error Has Occured" message box.
This is confusing, especially since iMovie can make mp4 movies. And since mp4 is a QuickTime format -- and QuickTime is made by Apple, who also makes iMovie.
It doesn't matter what size of file; none import. I asked the guys who own/operate the blog website if they put any special locking features on their video file downloads from their podcasts, and they said they (paraphrasing) "didn't do anything except use an iPod video converter" or something to that effect.
So, any idea's?

I have QuickTime 7.1.1 installed, with a license for QuickTime Pro.
QuickTime Pro shouldn't affect the ability to import to iMovie. All QuickTime Pro does is enable certain movie editing commands in QuickTime Player. It doesn't add any codecs or new elements to QuickTime.
But third-party QuickTime codecs could certainly be affecting iMovie 6's ability to import a movie. If any are installed, they should be temporarily removed and the Mac restarted.
They are discussed here:
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=1852869#1852869
Karl

QUICKTIME DVCPRO HD file will not import into iMovie 06HD

Hi...I've searched all over the web. Maybe one of you can help.
Basically I got a clip from a movie I did from the editor. The movie was edited in Final Cut Pro. I don't know versions or anything specific about his system.
I downloaded the DVCPRO HD codecs and i am NOW able to play the footage on my computer through QT Pro (previously I wasn't able to view the clips without those codecs).
However, when I try to import/export/beg the file to go into iMovie HD 06 so I can cut it into my performance reel, it only turns up as a white screen with audio in place: there's no picture but you can hear everything perfectly.
Any ideas? I've tried so many things.
Is it possible to burn the file to a regular dvd, reimport it and it will magically work? I'm going out to buy dvds now to see if that's possible.
I'm running leopard, MBP 200gb
Thanks

hey there mmmm1234,
iMovie06 works w/ DV 25(MiniDV, DVCPro & HDV-720p/1080i). it has no capability for DVCProHD(DV100). see if your editor buddy can give you the clip in one of the listed formats for iMovie. even if he gives it to in the HDV format, you'll still only be able to burn SD DVD w/ iDVD, so it might be best to ask for the clip in an SD format.
good luck.

Trouble opening mpeg movie files and importing into iMovie 08

Hi, I'd be most grateful if anyone could provide any solutions to the following problem...
A friend has emailed me two .mpeg movie files which are parts 1&2 of a home movie which I want to edit in iMovie and burn to DVD. The footage was shot on a miniHDV camcorder (not sure which brand).
Opening in QT 7.6 gives the following warning dialogue: "The movie could not be opened. The file is not a movie file."
The files will however play fine in VLC Media Player, but not in mpeg Streamclip (the file appears to play but the viewer is blank with no audio/video). Trying to import into iMovie is unsuccessful. The iMovie browser won't let me choose the files or drag/drop.
Any ideas. I read somewhere that iMovie 08 can't import mpeg-1 files. Do I need to convert the files, and if so how?
Thanks in advance, and apologies - this is my first experience of video editing.

I have QT Player but it hasn't "kicked in" when I try to import my videos.
Something called PIXE VRF Browser is supposed to help in the conversion. The QT MPEG-2 thingy won't install until I buy QT Pro, according to what I get on the screen.
Sounds like you have too many applications trying to do the same thing. Either use the Pixela Pixe VRF Browser or use the Mac applications (Mac OS Finder, Apple QT MPEG-2 Playback Component w/MPEG Streamclip) but not both to do the same job. The Apple Finder should be able to copy multiplexed VOB/MPEG-2 files from either your PC burned DVD or directly from your camcorder DVD to your MAC hard drive where MPEG Streamclip/QT MPEG-2 component can convert them for use in iMovie '08. Frankly, I don't understand your work work flow or why you want to import your files to a GOP editor in the first place if your goal is to do frame level editing in iMovie '08.
As for Jon's suggestion, I am on dial-up and cannot download big files at 3-4 Kbps snail pace.
What does this have to do with importing your camcorder files to your PC and re-burning them to DVD for use on your Mac? If I were to make a recommendation here, it would have been to use an external hard drive here rather than DVDs for transporting files between platforms and then only if you want the files available to both. If your goal is only to edit them in iMovie '08 or iMovie HD on your Mac, then why not cut out the "middleman" platform?
I wish I could purchase these updates on DVDs but the genies couldn't even tell me if there's such a service.
Totally confused here. Are you saying your DVR-D300 files were commercial produced or that you are dealing with torrent downloads of copy-written material? These are two separate issues with facets beyond the scope of this forum.
As for "platform", I have iMovie08. iMac does not read the mini RAM disks when I connect the camera to a USB port.
Are you saying the Finder doesn't read them or that iMovie '08 doesn't read them? Do you "finalize" your DVDs before trying to read them via USB as the manual states may be necessary as indicated on page 150 of your manual?
How can I find out that iMovie09 will let me import and edit my Panasonic videos?
You could try going to the Apple site and checking the the tapeless camcorder compatibility chart. The Panasonic DVR-D300 is specifically listed along with a hot link for additional information. However, this still won't help you you don't finalize the content.

Converting files to import into iMovie HD

I've been searching the forum but cant find anything that helps me...
I have an mpeg (a .m2p file)
I've tried converting it into all sorts of things to import into iMovie, using the likes of "ffmpegx" and "mpeg streamclip".
I've tried converting to mpeg4 mov files, mpeg4 mp4 files, H264, .DV.
Most of the time even quicktime will not play them, or in the case of the .DV files, not only is it massive (like 50 gig) but takes hours to import.
Basically I have a 2gig .m2p (mpeg2) file and want to convert it into something that iMovie will read without taking 6 hours.
I'm new to OS X, and video editing/converting in general... someone please point me in the right direction.

.m2p file
Have you tried this with MPEG Streamclip (Notice that MPEG2 conversions require the $20 Apple MPEG-2 Playback Component):
"File/Export to DV.../Compression: DV (DV25)". Choose "Split DV stream in Segments" if the content is more than 9 minutes 27 seconds because iMovie 1-4 can't reliably handle longer clip files and it might be a good idea to limit the converted .dv file's size anyway (segmented clips play seamlessly in iMovie).
You can save the converted DV directly into iMovie project's Media folder to save time and HD space (iMovie prompts you what to do with the clip when the project is opened. Notice that iMovie HD 5 now stores its project folder as a package -- MPEG Streamclip can save straight into the package's /Media folder!)
http://www.sjoki.uta.fi/~shmhav/SVCDon_a_Macintosh.html#edit_convertMPEG

Can not import into iMovie

I installed iTunes 6.0.1 and now the music I imported into iMovie will not play. I get a message that I need to go to Itunes and authorize my computer. It then takes me to itunes I fill in my ID and it tells me I have authorized 4 out of five possible computers. But the music will not play.

DRCARR,
Did you also install the current versions of QuickTime + iMovie?
As a workaround burn those refusing tracks to an AudioCD and re-import them for use in iMovie

Some AVI files not working?

OK, let me try and sum this up.
using a cannon power shot i have filmed time lapse footage before and brought it into an older version of imove and gotten it to open on my old (white edged) imac. I now have imove11 and a new imac. these same timelapse AVI files will not play on quicktime now or register to be found for imovie even with an import. Regula speed AVI files will still download from the camera and work on quicktime and imove11.
now here is what is throwing me off.
Iphoto11 will import these same files and they will play problem free in there.
when i download them and open them through image capture they download no problem.
wheni double click to open in quicktime i get the can't be opened, may need additional software error.
i have made compilations in the past of these type AVI time lapse files so why can't i now?
help please!

Thank you very much.
But AVI and .mov will take much size than .dat files.
so its better to concentrate in .dat files also for JMF I think.
Is it true.
I have a file of avi takes - 100mb for 3 min play of video
if u convert to .mov takes - 60-70mb for the same time of video.
I think you you have .dat files , for a movie of 2hours it takes only 1gb of size and can be shipped in two 500mb cds.
Please if you have any solution to reduce the avi file sizes please let me know.
Thank you,
Kiran

MPG files will not import into iMovie

I have some video I shot with a Sony Handycam that I want to import it into iMovie. When In iMovie I can see the MPV files but they are grayed out. I moved them from my work PC. They play fine on the PC. Have they been recoded in some way? When I try and open them in quicktime on the mac I get a message that says they are "not a movie file". I did transfer the files via a thumb drive, but I can't see that causing any problems. Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance

I have some video I shot with a Sony Handycam that I want to import it into iMovie. When In iMovie I can see the MPV files but they are grayed out.
Finder level (i.e. "Import Movies...") files are not converted as part of the import process. Only files imported via the "Import from Camera..." are converted to iMovie '08 edit compatible compression formats. As "muxed" compression formats are not edit compatible in iMovie '08, they cannot be imported at the "Finder level" and so remain "grayed out." ("Muxed" formats contain blocks of audio and video data interspersed in a single stream to provide spatial synchronization while the QT engine is based on temporal synchronization of audio and video contained in separate, parallel "tracks" of data.) Your solution here is to either convert your files to DV, AIC, M-JPEG, Photo-JPEG, MPEG-4, or H.264 files for "Finder" importation or "image" your files so they appear as if they are on a camcorder and let iMovie '08 import/convert the files for edit processing.
I moved them from my work PC. They play fine on the PC. Have they been recoded in some way?
MPEG-2 is a "playback" only format a far as QT is concerned and even then it requires the QT MPEG-2 Playback component ($20) be installed to work. AC3 audio is also not supported by the QT embedded structure and also requires an additional third-party component be installed.

Avi files not imported

my older imac only imports photos, not avi files. on another intel imac, both photos and avi files import without any problem. any ideas? all software updates, iphoto, and OS are the same.

yes. the files are the same, and are short clips (less than 15 sec) from a digital camera. one machine imports them into the library, and the files are viewable with quicktime. the other machine doesn't import any of the files.

Can not locate iPhoto 9.6 (910.29) files to import into iMovie (10.0.6) on Yosemite (10.10.2)

Hello,
I am trying to import some photos and movies into iMovie (10.0.6) from iPhoto 9.6 (910.29) but I can't do it. I've searched for solutions but can't figure it out. I can't locate my iPhoto files and it's driving me bonkers! It's probably a very simple solution.
When I use iPhoto I can access all my photos and movies. When I search through Finder I'm unable to locate the files. When I use the "reveal in finder" function in iPhoto it shows the files are only in "iPhoto library" and provides the full file path. When I try to follow the file path and go to Pictures > iPhoto library and click on this it opens iPhoto instead of allowing me to go to the files as in previous versions of OSX.
I can't get to the files through finder, and i can not import them into iMovie (as am trying to follow the same file path).
Any solutions would be appreciated!
Thank you.

Either export the photos and movies from iPhoto to a folder on your Desktop and import to iMovie from there,
or use the Media Browser in iMovie:
The "Libraries" panel will show you the iPhoto Library in the sidebar. Import your photos and videos from there. If the "Libraries" sidebar is missing press the keys ⇧⌘1 (Windows > Show Libraries) to reveal it.
This User Tips by Terence Devlin will explain how to use your iPhoto Library from other applications:
How to Access Files in iPhoto

Some avi-files not playing on QuickTime Pro 7.0.4

I tried to play a few avi-file movies using QuickTime Pro 7.0.4 on my Mac OS X 10.4.4, but unfortunately, I keep getting the message: "Some necessary QuickTime software is missing. It may be available on the QuickTime Web site." After going on that site, I downloaded some of the available free software, but the problem remains. Playing the movies with a third-application like the VLC, works fine. I wish QuickTime Pro would have the same capabilities in playing avi files like other Players. Do you have an idea how I can solve the problem?
Thanks for your support!
iBook G4 1GhZ Mac OS X (10.4.4) 60GB, 640MB RAM, Bluetooth, Airport Express

Thanks for all your help guys. I guess I will remain with the VLC for playing AVI files that donnot play on the QT Player as the VLC plays almost any movie file. I came across an interesting article regarding the subject:
QuickTime: About Playing .AVI Files
Learn why an .AVI file may not play as expected in QuickTime Player.
AVI stands for Audio Video Interleave. The .AVI format is what is known as a container format. It specifies a way in which a file may contain audio and video data. It does not specify how that data is encoded. The encoding of audio and video data is specified in what are known as codecs. A codec (short for COmpressor/DECompressor) tells the computer how to decode the audio and video tracks that have been encoded within the .AVI file. QuickTime Player can use numerous codecs by default. You can also add additional codecs to extend QuickTime's features using plug-ins or third-party installations.
When QuickTime opens an .AVI file, it checks to see which codecs were used to encode the audio and video tracks within it. For example, an .AVI file may contain a video track encoded in the Cinepak codec and an audio track encoded with the ALaw 2:1 codec. If both the audio and the video were compressed using a codec that QuickTime can use, the file will play normally. If the audio or video or both were created using codecs that QuickTime cannot use, you may see a message like the following:
"QuickTime is missing the software needed to perform this operation. Unfortunately, it is not available on the QuickTime server"
or
"You may experience problems playing a video track in "filename.avi" because the required compressor could not be found."
These messages are not an indication that anything is wrong with QuickTime Player.
Lists of audio and video codecs included with and supported by QuickTime are available from the QuickTime specifications page.
Using QuickTime Player, you may be able to determine which codec was used to compress an audio or video track:
QuickTime 6 and earlier
Open the file in QuickTime Player.
From the Movie menu, choose Get Movie Properties.
From the left pop-up menu in the Properties window, choose Sound Track or Video Track.
From the right pop-up menu, choose Format. The Format section shows the codec.
QuickTime 7
Open the file in QuickTime Player.
From the Window menu, choose Show Movie Info. The codec is listed next to Format.
If the .AVI file is encoded using a codec that is not included with QuickTime, you might be able to find and add that codec so QuickTime can play media encoded with it. Contact the party that publishes or distributes the codec to see if a QuickTime version is available. Many third-party QuickTime components are available on the QuickTime components page.
iBook G4 1GhZ Mac OS X (10.4.4) 60GB, 640MB RAM, Bluetooth, Airport Express

Why do some AVI files not import into iMovie?

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